In the build-up to Saturday’s Premier League encounter between Manchester United and Brentford at Olf Trafford, Thomas Frank was asked for his thoughts on the scrutiny that has been aimed at Erik ten Hag.
The Danish coach opted to sympathise with Ten Hag, who has been afforded more time by INEOS to save his job after a poor start to the 2024/25 season.
Frank believes the criticism Ten Hag has faced is “too much”, despite United sitting 14th in the Premier League, as well as failing to score in each of their last three league games.
Next up for United is a clash against Brentford, who will be coming to Old Trafford looking to inflict further torment on Ten Hag.
Thomas Frank slams Erik ten Hag criticism
Frank has been linked with the United job and some outlets have gone as far to suggest Saturday’s tie is an audition.
However, the Brentford manager was keen to point out Ten Hag’s achievement, after winning two trophies in as many seasons at United.
“It’s incredible how much scrutiny he’s had to face,” said Frank in his pre-match press conference, as qouted by the Manchester Evening News.
“As a head coach, I acknowledge how it feels to be in a situation like this. I think [the criticism] is too much.
“He’s clearly a good coach, he’s won two trophies in two seasons. But I understand how it is: if the team wins, the head coach is absolutely fantastic; if the team loses, the head coach is absolutely s***! Whereas it’s probably somewhere in between.
“It’s never only the head coach, or the players, or the fans, or the board – it’s a combination of all of these things.”
Frank also made it clear that he doesn’t take form into account ahead of such games. He is aware that United have fantastic players at their disposal is of the opinion that it’s only a matter of time before he clicks.
United fans will hope to see that this weekend.
“I’ve experienced it too many times in my career: we face a team that has lost three games in a row but they come out absolutely flying. Then, other times, we play a team that has won five games in a row but we beat them.
“I don’t really pay too much attention to [form]. The only thing I focus on is how we can make sure we are up there and how we can do everything we can to perform and come out flying – and hopefully we score early again.”
